Machinery & Tools

So where did it all begin?

Founded in a small Albert Park office in 1932, H.Leffler & Son Pty Ltd began its’ journey as a humble leather supplier to the Victorian shoe industry. Henry Wilby Leffler had been a shoe repairer for many years when, frustrated by a shortage of leathers suitable for his trade, he began to source his own. Before long, other shoe repairers and manufacturers were seeking him out to supplement their stocks and so a new business was born.

Henry’s son Richard joined the company in 1953 and immediately saw the opportunity to expand into the Saddlery, Craft, and Upholstery markets. Richard’s bold, entrepreneurial approach was hugely successful and sowed the seeds for the incredible diversity of stock that Lefflers’ would become renowned for.

In 1976 the rapidly growing business moved into York Street, South Melbourne; its’ home for the next 30 years. During that time, the business continually expanded, moving into retail distribution and adding to the ever-growing range of product. In 1998 the sad passing of Richard “Dick” Leffler prompted the family to install Paul Guyett as CEO and in 2008, with not an inch of warehouse space to spare, the company moved again, taking up residence in Kensington Road, West Melbourne. Now, with over 3200 square metres of offices, showrooms and storage space, Lefflers’ is ideally placed to distribute over 16,000 different lines to customers Australia wide.

Today, the Leffler family and staff are proud to continue the work of the company’s founders. Our customers range from the beginner who wants to make their first bag, to shoe repairers, saddlers, movie studios, car fanatics, architects and the aviation industry. Each customer is guided and advised by our experienced staff because, as we have learnt since our own humble beginnings; no customer is too small, no project too big.

As the saying goes, when it comes to leather …”If you can’t find it at Lefflers, you just won’t find it”.